Ranking the Best Men's Pickleball Shoes of 2025

Pickleball addicts (like myself) will wear down at least 3-5 pairs of shoes per year. So finding the right pair is crucial for your wallet and your game. To help my fellow players, I've ranked the best men's pickleball shoes of 2025.

I decided to go with some of the top brands:

• Selkirk CourtStrike
• Wilson Pickle Pro
• Nike GP Pro
• New Balance 996v6
• K-Swiss Supreme

Love pickleball? Then you'll love our free newsletter. We send the latest news, tips, and highlights for free each week.

Factors I Considered When Reviewing the Pickleball Shoes

As with all apparel, many things come down to personal preference however these are factors I took into consideration when ranking these shoes:

• Weight, Traction, and Stability
• Size, Fit, and Support
• Wear and Tear, Material, Toe-Drag Support
• Aesthetic Design
• Price

Selkirk CourtStrike: A Solid First Step Into Footwear

Selkirk’s first swing at a pickleball shoe came with a lot of hype and for good reason. Their paddles have a diehard following, so expectations were sky-high for the CourtStrike. After putting them through their paces, I can say this: for a first release, they did a lot right.

The shoe feels sturdy and well-built, with solid support underfoot and a secure fit around the ankle. The traction held up nicely during quick changes of direction, and the upper mesh kept things breathable even during longer sessions. They also added reinforcements in smart places, especially around the toebox and ankle, which adds to the shoe’s durability.

If I had one critique, it’s the design. It plays it pretty safe. Nothing wrong with it, just not as eye-catching as others in the category.

What works (and what could be better):

• Breathable mesh upper keeps things cool
• Comfortable cushioning and solid foot support
• Reliable traction for fast cuts and stops
• Reinforced ankle and toe zones for durability
• Aesthetics feel a little conservative for such a bold brand

Wilson Pickle Pro: Light, Stylish, and Court-Ready

If we’re giving out style awards, the Wilson Pickle Pro wins in a walk. The crisp white upper with subtle green accents gives off major Wimbledon vibes - clean, classic, and just flashy enough. The only downside? My aggressive toe-dragging tends to scuff up that pristine finish. But honestly, it still looks good worn in.

Performance-wise, this is the lightest shoe I tested (and it plays like it). From the first wear, it felt broken in. No stiffness, no awkward rub. Just a breezy, glove-like fit that let me focus on the game, not my feet.

If you prefer a lighter shoe, I would recommend these over the KSwiss.

Why the Wilson Pickle Pro earns a spot in my rotation:

• Lightest of the bunch, feels like air on your feet
• Zero break-in needed, game-ready right out of the box
• Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and dry
• Excellent grip with minimal wear on the sole after weeks of play
• Sleek Wimbledon-inspired design
• Solid performance in both doubles and singles

Nike GP Pro: Better Than Expected, But Not Quite There

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical going into these. Big brands sometimes toss their hat into the pickleball ring with a rebranded tennis shoe and call it a day. But the Nike GP Pros surprised me. They’ve got a solid build, and the traction held up really well across both doubles and singles. I felt stable on hard stops and lateral movements, which is what I care about most.

That said, the fit wasn’t quite right for me. My foot kept sliding forward into the toe box during quick stops, and after a few games, my toes were definitely feeling it. Maybe I needed a half-size down, but with my wider feet, that might’ve made things worse. The toebox already felt a little snug out of the gate.

Where the GP Pro hits, and misses:

• Strong traction and lateral support, no slips during quick stops
• Reinforced toe area stands up well to toe-dragging
• Bold blue/orange colorway is a fun change of pace
• Toe box felt tight for wider feet and caused pressure during play
• Foot slid forward on stops, leading to discomfort — sizing might be tricky

New Balance 996v6: Built Like a Tank, But Slips on the Finish Line

I came in with high expectations for the 996v6. New Balance has a strong rep for support, and I see these all over the courts — for good reason. The structure around the ankle is a standout, giving you that locked-in, protected feel that’s ideal for players worried about rolling an ankle. Overall, the fit is super secure and the breathability is excellent thanks to the mesh upper.

They also added some rubber around the toe box — a nice touch for toe-draggers like me. But here’s the catch: the traction underfoot just doesn’t quite keep up. The outsole feels a little slick, and I slipped more than once during aggressive singles points. The tread pattern looks sleek, but seems more for style than grip — and that’s a miss in my book.

Where the 996v6 shines (and stumbles):

• Outstanding ankle and lateral support, feels built for battle
• Mesh upper keeps your feet cool and dry
• Solid toe-drag protection thanks to reinforced front rubber
• Noticeable break-in period, especially around the sides
• Traction is the weak link, slippery during hard stops in singles

The K-Swiss Supreme: My Go-To Pickleball Shoe Right Now

The K Swiss Supremes stood out as my top overall pick for a pickleball shoe. If you like a solid, supportive shoe that feels locked-in without weighing you down, the K-Swiss Supreme is tough to beat. I’m someone who appreciates a little heft in my footwear, it makes me feel protected, especially during those hard stops and lateral lunges. And these shoes deliver.

The traction is dialed in. I’m not sliding around on court, even when I’m pushing off aggressively in singles. Plus, there’s serious durability here. I’ve been toe-dragging like a madman for the past month and the rubber’s holding up like a champ. Still feels like there's plenty of life left in them.

Why I'm sticking with the K-Swiss Supreme:

• Multiple lace loop options let you customize how snug you want the ankle fit, love that adjustability
• Reinforced rubber toe box handles toe-dragging without breaking down
• Excellent grip, no sliding, even during fast-paced singles
• Supportive out of the box, no break-in period needed
• True to size with solid room for wider feet

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

There’s a lot to like across the board here. Honestly, I was splitting hairs for most of these picks, which is a good sign. It means brands are starting to take pickleball footwear seriously. But as with any shoe review, so much of it comes down to personal preference and the quirks of your own feet.

For me, I lean toward a heavier, more stable shoe that offers top-tier traction for aggressive movement, and the K-Swiss Supreme delivers exactly that. If you’re someone who values lockdown support and durability above all else, that’s your go-to.

That said, the Wilson Pickle Pro is a close runner-up, especially if you want something lightweight, breathable, and easy on the wallet — all wrapped in a sleek, Wimbledon-worthy design.

Selkirk’s CourtStrike deserves credit too. It’s a solid first entry from a brand that’s been trusted in the paddle space for years. The design could be bolder, sure, but the performance checks all the right boxes.

The New Balance 996v6 and Nike GP Pro land at the bottom of my list, but not by a wide margin. They’ve got strengths (support and style, respectively), but fell just short in key areas like traction and fit, at least for my needs.

At the end of the day the best shoe is the one that fits your game and your foot. Hopefully, this helped narrow it down.